Big Ten spring notebook: East Division

Head coaches from the Big Ten East Division, along with a player from each team, addressed the media this afternoon on teleconferences. The West Division players and coaches spoke Wednesday. Here’s a closer look at the East:

INDIANA

Defense has been a lingering Indiana concern for years, but coach Kevin Wilson believes he’s starting to see a change, thanks to new defensive coordinator Brian Knorr. The scheme hasn’t changed radically, but the Hoosiers return 10 starters there — and Wilson’s seen a promising spring so far with an added focus on competition and communication: “They’ve for sure held their own on a daily basis — and, in some ways, probably even better — against the offense.”

Wilson believes teams need to invest scholarships into the kicking game, but he thinks it’s also too risky to offer recruits straight out of high school. If you look at the NCAA’s top 25 kickers, Wilson estimated at least 15 started out as walk-ons. So he’s hoping to find some walk-ons who are willing to work for a scholarship, rather than be granted one right away.

At 5-foot-7, Shane Wynn is the Hoosiers’ leading returning receiver, and he’s transitioning to playing the outside. It’s been a little different for Wynn, who said he’s had to watch more film as a result. He’s reading the corners now, instead of the safeties, as just one example.

MARYLAND Maryland coach Randy Edsall is confident in his offense and believes the Terrapins have enough options so that opponents can’t focus on just one person. If defenses lock on to wideout Stefon Diggs, then quarterback C.J. Brown can take off running or receiver Deon Long can pick up some slack. …